Keep your children’s minds and bodies active this summer
BY BUZZ
With the summer holidays looming, many parents may be worrying about how to entertain their children for six weeks, whilst keeping both their minds and their bodies active. Here are a few activities in West Berkshire that you and your kids can enjoy together and you might even learn a thing or two along the way!
The Living Rainforest, Hampstead Norreys
This centre provides an exciting and educating day out for adults and children alike. Two large glasshouses are home to a huge variety of rainforest plants, including the Giant Amazon Water Lily, as well as a large number of rainforest creatures such as lizards, snakes, butterflies, birds, frogs, insects, monkeys and crocodiles. The Living Rainforest looks to educate visitors about the future of tropical rainforests, and highlight the close connection between human lifestyles and the well-being of the rainforest. Admission: Adults £8.95, Children (5 – 14) £7.50 Children (3 – 4) £6.50. Visit www.livingrainforest.org for more information.
Walbury Hill Fort, nr Combe village
On the summit of Walbury Hill, the highest point in Berkshire, stands the remains of an Iron Age hill fort. Another historical site in the area, but one perhaps not for the very young or faint hearted, is Combe Gibbet. It stands on nearby hill, Gallows Down, and was used in 1676 to display the executed bodies of George Broomham and Dorothy Newman. The pair were hung for killing George’s wife and son after they discovered the couple on the downs. A visit to both sites could easily be incorporated into a pleasant afternoon’s walking in the Berkshire Downs. Access is free of charge. For route ideas see www.theaa.com/walks
Watermill Theatre, Bangor, Newbury
On Sunday 7th August the Yellowtale Theatre Company will be performing a selection of Shakespeare’s most loved work in the gardens of the Watermill Theatre. This is a fantastic opportunity to brush up your children’s knowledge of our nation’s most famous author, whilst experiencing the excitement and drama of a live performance. The outdoor setting means that this will be an idyllic way to spend a summer afternoon. Tickets £10. Visit www.watermill.org.uk for more information.
Cycling Routes, West Berkshire
There are many beautiful cycle routes in West Berkshire for you and your family to enjoy. Bucklebury Cycle Route is a relatively short circuit of around one hour through the picturesque village of Bucklebury, home town of the Duchess of Cornwall, Catherine Middleton. For those of you who are slightly more ambitious, the Hungerford and Marsh Benham cycle route will take around two and a half hours. For more information and routes visit www.visitnewbury.org.uk.
Donnington Castle, 1 mile North of Newbury, off B4494
Donnington Castle is a great spot for a picnic on a sunny afternoon and provides an opportunity to soak up some local history in the process. Set upon a hill that gives fantastic views over the Lambourn Valley, the castle was built in the fourteenth century. In the 15th century it was held by Thomas Chaucer, son of the famous poet Geoffrey Chaucer and it is reported that in the 16th century both King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I stayed there. Donnington Castle came under heavy fire during the Civil War and the vastly damaged castle was largely demolished in 1646. Today the impressive gatehouse remains standing and the external walls of the castle have been rebuilt to a height of 0.5m to give an impression of the original layout. Access is free of charge and parking is also free. See www.english-heritage.org.uk for more information.
